EP3575652A1 - Actuator, in particular valve actuator and method for operating a valve actuator - Google Patents
Actuator, in particular valve actuator and method for operating a valve actuator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3575652A1 EP3575652A1 EP18174482.2A EP18174482A EP3575652A1 EP 3575652 A1 EP3575652 A1 EP 3575652A1 EP 18174482 A EP18174482 A EP 18174482A EP 3575652 A1 EP3575652 A1 EP 3575652A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- actuator
- force
- actuation element
- displacement
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D7/00—Control of flow
- G05D7/06—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means
- G05D7/0617—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means specially adapted for fluid materials
- G05D7/0629—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means specially adapted for fluid materials characterised by the type of regulator means
- G05D7/0635—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means specially adapted for fluid materials characterised by the type of regulator means by action on throttling means
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K37/00—Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
- F16K37/0025—Electrical or magnetic means
- F16K37/0041—Electrical or magnetic means for measuring valve parameters
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an actuator, in particular a valve actuator and to a method for operating a valve actuator.
- the valve actuator can be used in connection with a two-way valve.
- a two-way valve can be used to control a flow rate of a fluid, for example, in a heating system.
- the two-way valve comprises an inlet and an outlet and a valve seat between the inlet and the outlet.
- a valve element is moved by the actuator relatively to the valve seat. When the valve element contacts the valve seat, the flow through the valve is interrupted. When the valve element has the largest distance from the valve seat, the flow rate through the valve is at a maximum.
- the flow rate through the valve not only depends on the distance of the valve element from the valve seat, but it depends as well on the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet. If this pressure difference changes, the flow rate changes as well unless the position of the valve element in relation to the valve seat is adjusted.
- the actuator has only to adjust the position of the valve element. This adjustment is done by moving the actuation element of the actuator to a specific position corresponding to the desired position of the valve element.
- the actuator can also be used in fan coils units, air handling units or heating and cooling ceilings.
- the object of the invention is to provide an actuator allowing a simple control.
- an actuator comprising a drive acting on an actuation element able of moving between first and second positions, a force sensor sensing a force acting on the actuation element, and a stroke sensor sensing a displacement of the actuation element from said first position.
- the first and second positions e.g. could correspond respectively fully closed and fully open positions of a valve.
- Such an actuator When used together with a valve, such an actuator allows control of a flow rate through the valve to which the actuator is connected in a rather simple manner.
- the actuation element acts on the valve element of the valve. It can, for example, move the valve element to a closed position in which the valve element contacts the valve seat and opens it again.
- the displacement of the actuation element means the distance between the valve element and the valve seat. In other words, the displacement of the actuation element corresponds to the "opening degree" of the valve.
- the force sensor detects the force acting on the valve element and correspondingly on the actuation element of the actuator. This force contains an information about the pressure difference over the valve, i.e. the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the valve. For a given displacement of the actuation element, the flow rate through the valve depends on the pressure difference over the valve and consequently on the force acting on the actuation element via the valve element.
- the drive is connected to control means, wherein the control means adjust the displacement of the actuation element in dependency of the force acting on the actuation element.
- the control means can move the actuation element to increase the throttling resistance.
- the actuation element acts on the valve element in a direction towards the valve seat. If on the other hand the force acting on the actuation element decreases this is a clear indication that the pressure difference over the valve decreases and the actuation element is moved to increase the displacement so that the valve element is moved farther away from the valve seat.
- the control means can be internal to the drive or can be external.
- control means comprise a look-up table in which relations between forces acting on the actuation element and displacements of the actuation element are stored.
- a relation between the forces acting on the actuation element and the displacement of the actuation element do not exactly follow a linear function.
- a look-up table or a corresponding matrix can be used to store the necessary relations.
- This look-up table can be filled beforehand depending on a specific valve or depending on a specific type of valve.
- the look-up table can be part of the actuator or it can be external to the actuator.
- control means comprise calculation means calculating a displacement of the actuation element in reaction of a force acting on the actuation element.
- calculation means can be used when the relation between the forces and the displacements can be described by a function or by a set of functions. It can be used alternatively or additionally to the look-up table. In particular, it is possible to use calculation means in addition to the look-up table when an interpolation between values stored in the look-up table could be necessary.
- control means comprise a flow rate input.
- the flow rate input can receive a set point value for the flow rate through the valve.
- this flow rate depends on the displacement of the actuation element and on the pressure difference over the valve.
- An information about the pressure difference can be obtained by the force sensor and the information about the displacement can be obtained by the displacement sensor.
- the required displacement of the actuation element can be adjusted depending on the force acting on the actuation element.
- the displacement has to be changed as well in order to keep constant the flow rate through the valve on the given set point value.
- the actuator is an electric linear actuator.
- the force sensor is sensing a tension and/or pressure force.
- the object of the invention is solved with a method for operating an actuator, the method comprising the steps of sensing a force acting on an actuation element of the actuator, sensing a displacement of the actuation element, and adjusting the displacement of the actuation element in reaction to the force.
- the actuator can be connected to a two-way valve in which a valve seat is arranged between an inlet and an outlet and a valve element cooperates with the valve seat.
- the valve element is actuated by the actuation element.
- the displacement of the actuation element is the distance between the valve element and the valve seat.
- the force acting on the actuation element contains an information about the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet.
- the valve actuator can adjust the displacement of the actuation element in reaction to the force so that a change in the pressure difference over the valve can be compensated in order to obtain, for example, a constant flow rate.
- the displacement is adjusted on basis of a given flow rate.
- a relation between the flow rate, the force and the displacement is stored in a matrix and read out to adjust the displacement.
- a relation between the flow rate, the force and the displacement is calculated.
- the calculation can be made alternatively or additionally to the reading out of the matrix.
- the matrix can be in form of a look-up table, for example.
- Fig. 1 schematically shows a valve actuator 1, such asan electric linear actuator, mounted to a valve 2.
- the valve 2 is a two-way valve having an inlet 3 and an outlet 4.
- a valve seat 5 is positioned between the inlet 3 and the outlet 4.
- a valve element 6 cooperates with the valve seat 5 in order to control a flow of a fluid through the valve 2.
- valve element 6 is connected to a valve stem 7 moving freely through a stuffing box 8.
- the valve element 6 can be pretensioned, for example, in a direction away from the valve seat 5, i.e. in an opening position.
- the valve actuator 1 comprises an actuation element 9 which is connected to the valve stem 7 or simply contacts the valve stem 7.
- the actuation element 9 is moved by a drive 10.
- the drive 10 is controlled by control means 11.
- Drive 10 and control means 11 are shown in Fig.1a only. They are omitted in the other Figures to keep the illustration simple.
- the valve actuator 1 comprises a force sensor 12 (symbolized by a double arrow in Fig. 1b ).
- the force sensor 12 senses a force 14, for example a tension and/or pressure force 14, acting on the actuation element 9.
- the force 14 acting on the actuation element 9 corresponds to a force 14 acting on the valve element 6.
- valve actuator 1 comprises a stroke sensor 13 symbolized by an arrow in Fig. 1c .
- the stroke sensor senses a displacement of the actuation element 9, i.e. the distance between the valve element 6 and the valve seat 5 or simply the position of the valve element 6.
- Fig. 1a shows the valve 2 in closed position.
- a pressure difference between the inlet 3 and the outlet 4 creates a force 14 acting on the valve element 6.
- This force 14 is a maximum force. This force is sensed by the force sensor 12.
- Fig. 1b shows the valve 2 in a slightly open condition, i.e. with a gap 15 between the valve seat 5 and the valve element 6.
- the force 14 acting on the valve element 2 is reduced. This reduced force 14 is sensed by the force sensor 12.
- the stroke of the valve element 6, i.e. the distance between the valve element 6 and the valve seat 5 can be sensed by the stroke sensor 13.
- Fig. 1c shows the valve 2 in a further opened condition, i.e. the gap 15 between the valve seat 5 and the valve element 6 has been further increased.
- the force 14 is further reduced.
- this is basically true only when the pressure difference between the inlet 3 and the outlet 4 does not change.
- a more precise control can be achieved when force data 14a and displacement data 16 (both symbolized by arrows in Fig. 2 ) are stored in an information matrix 17.
- the information matrix 17 can be realized, for example, by a look-up table.
- flow rate data 18 are stored in the information matrix 17 as well.
- the matrix of force data 14a, displacement data 16 and corresponding flow rate data 18 can be calculated or measured and accessed to set the position of the actuator.
- the information matrix 17 may be internal with the valve actuator 1 or external to the valve actuator 1.
- Fig. 3 schematically shows a flow chart illustrating one possibility of the method of establishing the matrix.
- valve actuator 1 Independent from the normal operation of the valve actuator 1 it may be necessary to use an additional flow rate sensor for establishing the matrix. As described above, the valve actuator 1 is connected to the valve 2. The valve actuator 1 is capable of measuring the force 14 acting from the fluid on the valve element 6, and of knowing an actual displacement of the valve element 6.
- a couple of measurements of forces and/or displacements and/or flow rates are made.
- valve actuator 1 is run over the range of measured different reference forces 14 or alternatively the range of measured different reference displacements or alternatively the range of measured different reference flow rates, and the actual force 14 acting on the valve element 6 is measured by the force sensor 12 and/or the actual displacement of the valve element 6 is measured by the stroke sensor 13 and/or the actual flow rate is measured by the flow rate sensor.
- step S3 all of the in step 2 measured force data 14a of forces 14, displacement data 16 of displacements and/or flow rates data 18 of flow rates are stored in the information matrix 17.
- valve actuator 1 The operation of the valve actuator 1 is illustrated in connection with Fig. 4 .
- Flow rate data 18 are inputted via a flow value input 19.
- Force data 14a from the force sensor 12 are obtained.
- the valve actuator 1 measures a changing force data 14a, this is associated with a change in flow rates.
- the valve actuator 1 then knows the present force 14 and the present displacement of the valve element 6, which has not changed. Based on these data, the information matrix 17 can be used to determine a new displacement of the actuation element 9 and correspondingly of the valve element 6 that corresponds to the desired flow rate.
- Fig. 5 shows a flow chart schematically illustrating the method of operating the valve 2 by use of the information matrix 17.
- a step 01 the information matrix 17 has been established linking a force 14 acting on the valve element 6 and a flow rate to a displacement of the valve element 6 which corresponds to a displacement of the actuation element 9.
- a step O2 the actual force 14 acting on the valve element 6 is measured.
- Step O3 deals with a situation in which the force 14 changes.
- the new force 14 and the present displacement data are used as input to the information matrix 17 to identify the new displacement that would give the desired flow rate. Instructions are given for a displacement of the actuation element.
- valve actuator 1 adjusts the valve element 6 to a correct displacement by moving the actuation element 9 in the desired position.
- valve actuator 1 The specific construction of the valve actuator 1 can be realized in a couple of ways.
- the position or displacement of actuation element 9 can be determined by calculation internal in the valve actuator 1 or external to the valve actuator 1. It can be determined by a look-up table of flow rate and displacement at specific forces which are stored in the valve actuator 1 or external to the valve actuator 1.
- the axial movement of the actuation element 9 can be created by a geared spindle, by a linear motor, by extension of metals, by a cartridge containing wax or any other heat expendable material.
- the feedback of the position of the actuation element 9 can be achieved by a linear measurement or, if the displacement of the actuation element 9 is achieved by a rotary drive, by rotational measurement.
- the force on the actuation element 9 can be measured or obtained by calculation in various ways, for example, strain gauge in various locations, motor current, displacement of a spring with a known force, etc.
- the valve actuator 1 measures a value corresponding to the displacement of the valve element 6 from closed valve position.
- the valve actuator 1 measures a value corresponding to the force 14 on the actuation element 9 at all displacements.
- the force on the actuation element 9 at a specific displacement from closed position corresponds to a specific flow rate of the medium through a specific valve 2.
- the information matrix 17 of forces and displacements and corresponding medium flow rates for a specific valve 2 can be calculated or measured and accessed to set the position of the actuation element.
- the valve actuator 1 receives a control signal at the flow value input 19 to set the flow rate of the medium through the valve. Depending on the force 14 determined to act on the valve element 6 and correspondingly on the actuation element 9 the actuation element 9 is moved to a specific position. If the force on the actuation element 9 changes, the actuator moves the actuation element 9 to a new position corresponding to the flow rate required.
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- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Flow Control (AREA)
- Fluid-Driven Valves (AREA)
Abstract
A valve actuator (1) is described comprising a drive (10) acting on an actuation element (9), a force sensor sensing a force (14) acting on the actuation element (9), and a stroke sensor (13) sensing a displacement of the actuation element (9).
Description
- The present invention relates to an actuator, in particular a valve actuator and to a method for operating a valve actuator.
- The valve actuator can be used in connection with a two-way valve. A two-way valve can be used to control a flow rate of a fluid, for example, in a heating system. The two-way valve comprises an inlet and an outlet and a valve seat between the inlet and the outlet. A valve element is moved by the actuator relatively to the valve seat. When the valve element contacts the valve seat, the flow through the valve is interrupted. When the valve element has the largest distance from the valve seat, the flow rate through the valve is at a maximum.
- The flow rate through the valve not only depends on the distance of the valve element from the valve seat, but it depends as well on the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet. If this pressure difference changes, the flow rate changes as well unless the position of the valve element in relation to the valve seat is adjusted.
- To compensate for changes of the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet valves are known having two sections. One section is used for keeping constant a pressure difference over the other section. The other section is used for flow rate control. When such a valve is used, the actuator has only to adjust the position of the valve element. This adjustment is done by moving the actuation element of the actuator to a specific position corresponding to the desired position of the valve element.
- However, a valve having two sections is complicated and expensive.
- The actuator can also be used in fan coils units, air handling units or heating and cooling ceilings.
- The object of the invention is to provide an actuator allowing a simple control.
- This object is solved with an actuator comprising a drive acting on an actuation element able of moving between first and second positions, a force sensor sensing a force acting on the actuation element, and a stroke sensor sensing a displacement of the actuation element from said first position. The first and second positions e.g. could correspond respectively fully closed and fully open positions of a valve.
- When used together with a valve, such an actuator allows control of a flow rate through the valve to which the actuator is connected in a rather simple manner. The actuation element acts on the valve element of the valve. It can, for example, move the valve element to a closed position in which the valve element contacts the valve seat and opens it again. The displacement of the actuation element means the distance between the valve element and the valve seat. In other words, the displacement of the actuation element corresponds to the "opening degree" of the valve. Additionally, the force sensor detects the force acting on the valve element and correspondingly on the actuation element of the actuator. This force contains an information about the pressure difference over the valve, i.e. the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the valve. For a given displacement of the actuation element, the flow rate through the valve depends on the pressure difference over the valve and consequently on the force acting on the actuation element via the valve element.
- In an embodiment of the invention the drive is connected to control means, wherein the control means adjust the displacement of the actuation element in dependency of the force acting on the actuation element. When, for a given flow rate, the force increases, the control means can move the actuation element to increase the throttling resistance. In this case, the actuation element acts on the valve element in a direction towards the valve seat. If on the other hand the force acting on the actuation element decreases this is a clear indication that the pressure difference over the valve decreases and the actuation element is moved to increase the displacement so that the valve element is moved farther away from the valve seat. The control means can be internal to the drive or can be external.
- In an embodiment of the invention the control means comprise a look-up table in which relations between forces acting on the actuation element and displacements of the actuation element are stored. In many cases a relation between the forces acting on the actuation element and the displacement of the actuation element do not exactly follow a linear function. However, a look-up table or a corresponding matrix can be used to store the necessary relations. This look-up table can be filled beforehand depending on a specific valve or depending on a specific type of valve. The look-up table can be part of the actuator or it can be external to the actuator.
- In an embodiment of the invention the control means comprise calculation means calculating a displacement of the actuation element in reaction of a force acting on the actuation element. Such calculation means can be used when the relation between the forces and the displacements can be described by a function or by a set of functions. It can be used alternatively or additionally to the look-up table. In particular, it is possible to use calculation means in addition to the look-up table when an interpolation between values stored in the look-up table could be necessary.
- In an embodiment of the invention the control means comprise a flow rate input. The flow rate input can receive a set point value for the flow rate through the valve. As mentioned above, this flow rate depends on the displacement of the actuation element and on the pressure difference over the valve. An information about the pressure difference can be obtained by the force sensor and the information about the displacement can be obtained by the displacement sensor. When the further characteristics of the valve determining the flow rate are known, the required displacement of the actuation element can be adjusted depending on the force acting on the actuation element. When the force acting on the actuation element changes, the displacement has to be changed as well in order to keep constant the flow rate through the valve on the given set point value.
- In an embodiment, the actuator is an electric linear actuator.
- In an embodiment the force sensor is sensing a tension and/or pressure force.
- The object of the invention is solved with a method for operating an actuator, the method comprising the steps of sensing a force acting on an actuation element of the actuator, sensing a displacement of the actuation element, and adjusting the displacement of the actuation element in reaction to the force.
- As mentioned above, the actuator can be connected to a two-way valve in which a valve seat is arranged between an inlet and an outlet and a valve element cooperates with the valve seat. The valve element is actuated by the actuation element.
- The displacement of the actuation element is the distance between the valve element and the valve seat. The force acting on the actuation element contains an information about the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet. The valve actuator can adjust the displacement of the actuation element in reaction to the force so that a change in the pressure difference over the valve can be compensated in order to obtain, for example, a constant flow rate.
- In an embodiment the displacement is adjusted on basis of a given flow rate.
- In an embodiment of the invention a relation between the flow rate, the force and the displacement is stored in a matrix and read out to adjust the displacement.
- In an embodiment of the invention a relation between the flow rate, the force and the displacement is calculated. The calculation can be made alternatively or additionally to the reading out of the matrix. The matrix can be in form of a look-up table, for example.
- An embodiment of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawing, in which:
- Fig. 1
- is a schematic illustration of a valve actuator connected to a valve,
- Fig. 2
- is a schematic illustration showing a flow of information in a preparation section of the operation,
- Fig. 3
- is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the valve actuator according to
Fig. 2 , - Fig. 4
- shows schematically the flow of information during operation of the valve actuator, and
- Fig. 5
- is a flow chart illustrating the method of operating the valve by the valve actuator.
-
Fig. 1 schematically shows avalve actuator 1, such asan electric linear actuator, mounted to avalve 2. Thevalve 2 is a two-way valve having aninlet 3 and anoutlet 4. Avalve seat 5 is positioned between theinlet 3 and theoutlet 4. Avalve element 6 cooperates with thevalve seat 5 in order to control a flow of a fluid through thevalve 2. - The
valve element 6 is connected to a valve stem 7 moving freely through astuffing box 8. - The
valve element 6 can be pretensioned, for example, in a direction away from thevalve seat 5, i.e. in an opening position. - The
valve actuator 1 comprises anactuation element 9 which is connected to the valve stem 7 or simply contacts the valve stem 7. Theactuation element 9 is moved by adrive 10. Thedrive 10 is controlled by control means 11.Drive 10 and control means 11 are shown inFig.1a only. They are omitted in the other Figures to keep the illustration simple. - The
valve actuator 1 comprises a force sensor 12 (symbolized by a double arrow inFig. 1b ). Theforce sensor 12 senses aforce 14, for example a tension and/orpressure force 14, acting on theactuation element 9. Theforce 14 acting on theactuation element 9 corresponds to aforce 14 acting on thevalve element 6. - Furthermore, the
valve actuator 1 comprises astroke sensor 13 symbolized by an arrow inFig. 1c . The stroke sensor senses a displacement of theactuation element 9, i.e. the distance between thevalve element 6 and thevalve seat 5 or simply the position of thevalve element 6. -
Fig. 1a shows thevalve 2 in closed position. A pressure difference between theinlet 3 and theoutlet 4 creates aforce 14 acting on thevalve element 6. Thisforce 14 is a maximum force. This force is sensed by theforce sensor 12. -
Fig. 1b shows thevalve 2 in a slightly open condition, i.e. with agap 15 between thevalve seat 5 and thevalve element 6. Theforce 14 acting on thevalve element 2 is reduced. This reducedforce 14 is sensed by theforce sensor 12. At the same time, the stroke of thevalve element 6, i.e. the distance between thevalve element 6 and thevalve seat 5 can be sensed by thestroke sensor 13. -
Fig. 1c shows thevalve 2 in a further opened condition, i.e. thegap 15 between thevalve seat 5 and thevalve element 6 has been further increased. Theforce 14 is further reduced. However, this is basically true only when the pressure difference between theinlet 3 and theoutlet 4 does not change. - When, for a given displacement of the
actuation element 9 theforce 14 sensed by theforce sensor 12 changes, the displacement of theactuation element 9 has to be changed as well to keep the flow rate of fluid through thevalve 2 constant. - When, for example, for a given displacement of the
actuation element 9 theforce 14 increases this is an information that the pressure difference between theinlet 3 and theoutlet 4 has increased. In this case the control means 11 has to actuate thedrive 10 to decrease the displacement of theactuation element 9 in order to move thevalve element 6 closer to thevalve seat 5. When theforce 14 decreases, this is an indication that the pressure difference between theinlet 3 and theoutlet 4 has been decreased as well. Therefore, thevalve element 6 has to be moved away from thevalve seat 5 which can be done by increasing the displacement of theactuation element 9. - A more precise control can be achieved when
force data 14a and displacement data 16 (both symbolized by arrows inFig. 2 ) are stored in aninformation matrix 17. Theinformation matrix 17 can be realized, for example, by a look-up table. Additionally, flowrate data 18 are stored in theinformation matrix 17 as well. The matrix offorce data 14a,displacement data 16 and correspondingflow rate data 18 can be calculated or measured and accessed to set the position of the actuator. - In this embodiment, the
information matrix 17 may be internal with thevalve actuator 1 or external to thevalve actuator 1. -
Fig. 3 schematically shows a flow chart illustrating one possibility of the method of establishing the matrix. - Independent from the normal operation of the
valve actuator 1 it may be necessary to use an additional flow rate sensor for establishing the matrix. As described above, thevalve actuator 1 is connected to thevalve 2. Thevalve actuator 1 is capable of measuring theforce 14 acting from the fluid on thevalve element 6, and of knowing an actual displacement of thevalve element 6. - In a step S1 over a range of different given reference forces and/or alternatively over a range of different given reference displacements and/or alternatively over a range of different given reference flow rates, a couple of measurements of forces and/or displacements and/or flow rates are made.
- In a step S2 the
valve actuator 1 is run over the range of measureddifferent reference forces 14 or alternatively the range of measured different reference displacements or alternatively the range of measured different reference flow rates, and theactual force 14 acting on thevalve element 6 is measured by theforce sensor 12 and/or the actual displacement of thevalve element 6 is measured by thestroke sensor 13 and/or the actual flow rate is measured by the flow rate sensor. - In a step S3 all of the in
step 2 measuredforce data 14a offorces 14,displacement data 16 of displacements and/orflow rates data 18 of flow rates are stored in theinformation matrix 17. - The operation of the
valve actuator 1 is illustrated in connection withFig. 4 .Flow rate data 18 are inputted via aflow value input 19.Force data 14a from theforce sensor 12 are obtained. When thevalve actuator 1 measures a changingforce data 14a, this is associated with a change in flow rates. Thevalve actuator 1 then knows thepresent force 14 and the present displacement of thevalve element 6, which has not changed. Based on these data, theinformation matrix 17 can be used to determine a new displacement of theactuation element 9 and correspondingly of thevalve element 6 that corresponds to the desired flow rate. - When the measured force changes, this would be related to a change of input conditions. Input conditions change due to changes in other parts of the flow circuit in which the
valve 2 is built in. From theprevious force data 14a anddisplacement data 16 thevalve actuator 1 knows the flow rate. It now can obtain thenew displacement data 16 for the correct flow rate (i.e. the constant flow rate) from theinformation matrix 17. - However, it is also possible to calculate the new displacement, when the relation between
force 14, displacement and flow rate can be described by a function or a set of function. -
Fig. 5 shows a flow chart schematically illustrating the method of operating thevalve 2 by use of theinformation matrix 17. - In a
step 01 theinformation matrix 17 has been established linking aforce 14 acting on thevalve element 6 and a flow rate to a displacement of thevalve element 6 which corresponds to a displacement of theactuation element 9. - In a step O2 the
actual force 14 acting on thevalve element 6 is measured. - Step O3 deals with a situation in which the
force 14 changes. Thenew force 14 and the present displacement data are used as input to theinformation matrix 17 to identify the new displacement that would give the desired flow rate. Instructions are given for a displacement of the actuation element. - In a step O4 based on the matrix data the
valve actuator 1 adjusts thevalve element 6 to a correct displacement by moving theactuation element 9 in the desired position. - The specific construction of the
valve actuator 1 can be realized in a couple of ways. - The position or displacement of
actuation element 9 can be determined by calculation internal in thevalve actuator 1 or external to thevalve actuator 1. It can be determined by a look-up table of flow rate and displacement at specific forces which are stored in thevalve actuator 1 or external to thevalve actuator 1. - The axial movement of the
actuation element 9 can be created by a geared spindle, by a linear motor, by extension of metals, by a cartridge containing wax or any other heat expendable material. - The feedback of the position of the
actuation element 9 can be achieved by a linear measurement or, if the displacement of theactuation element 9 is achieved by a rotary drive, by rotational measurement. - The force on the
actuation element 9 can be measured or obtained by calculation in various ways, for example, strain gauge in various locations, motor current, displacement of a spring with a known force, etc. - The
valve actuator 1 measures a value corresponding to the displacement of thevalve element 6 from closed valve position. Thevalve actuator 1 measures a value corresponding to theforce 14 on theactuation element 9 at all displacements. The force on theactuation element 9 at a specific displacement from closed position corresponds to a specific flow rate of the medium through aspecific valve 2. Theinformation matrix 17 of forces and displacements and corresponding medium flow rates for aspecific valve 2 can be calculated or measured and accessed to set the position of the actuation element. - The
valve actuator 1 receives a control signal at theflow value input 19 to set the flow rate of the medium through the valve. Depending on theforce 14 determined to act on thevalve element 6 and correspondingly on theactuation element 9 theactuation element 9 is moved to a specific position. If the force on theactuation element 9 changes, the actuator moves theactuation element 9 to a new position corresponding to the flow rate required.
Claims (11)
- Actuator, in particular valve actuator (1) comprising a drive (10) acting on an actuation element (9) able of moving between first and second positions, a force sensor (12) sensing a force (14) acting on the actuation element (9), and a stroke sensor (13) sensing a displacement of the actuation element (9) from said first position.
- Actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive (10) is connected to control means (11), wherein the control means (11) adjust the displacement of the actuation element (9) in dependency of the force (14) acting on the actuation element (9).
- Actuator according to claim 2, wherein the control means (11) comprise a look-up table in which relations between forces (14) acting on the actuation element (9) and displacements of the actuation element (9) are stored.
- Actuator according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control means (11) comprise calculation means calculating a displacement of the actuation element (9) in reaction of a force (14) acting on the actuation element (9).
- Actuator according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the control means (11) comprise a flow rate input (19).
- Actuator according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the actuator (1) is an electric linear actuator.
- Actuator according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the force sensor (12) is sensing a tension and/or pressure force (14).
- Method for operating an actuator, in particular a valve actuator (1), the method comprising the steps of sensing a force (14) acting on an actuation element (9) of the valve actuator (1), sensing a displacement of the actuation element (9), and adjusting the displacement of the actuation element (9) in reaction to the force (14).
- Method according to claim 8, wherein the displacement is adjusted on basis of a given flow rate (18).
- Method according to claim 9, wherein a relation between the flow rate (18), the force (14) and the displacement is stored in a matrix (17) and read out to adjust the displacement.
- Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a relation between the flow rate (18), the force (14) and the displacement is calculated.
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP18174482.2A EP3575652A1 (en) | 2018-05-28 | 2018-05-28 | Actuator, in particular valve actuator and method for operating a valve actuator |
PCT/EP2019/063742 WO2019229029A1 (en) | 2018-05-28 | 2019-05-28 | Actuator, in particular valve actuator and method for operating a valve actuator |
RU2020142535A RU2768326C1 (en) | 2018-05-28 | 2019-05-28 | Control mechanism, in particular valve control mechanism, and method of operating valve control mechanism |
EP19726013.6A EP3803171B1 (en) | 2018-05-28 | 2019-05-28 | Actuator, in particular valve actuator and method for operating a valve actuator |
CN201980035265.6A CN112166276B (en) | 2018-05-28 | 2019-05-28 | Actuator, in particular a valve actuator, and method for operating a valve actuator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP18174482.2A EP3575652A1 (en) | 2018-05-28 | 2018-05-28 | Actuator, in particular valve actuator and method for operating a valve actuator |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3575652A1 true EP3575652A1 (en) | 2019-12-04 |
Family
ID=62386198
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18174482.2A Withdrawn EP3575652A1 (en) | 2018-05-28 | 2018-05-28 | Actuator, in particular valve actuator and method for operating a valve actuator |
EP19726013.6A Active EP3803171B1 (en) | 2018-05-28 | 2019-05-28 | Actuator, in particular valve actuator and method for operating a valve actuator |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19726013.6A Active EP3803171B1 (en) | 2018-05-28 | 2019-05-28 | Actuator, in particular valve actuator and method for operating a valve actuator |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP3575652A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN112166276B (en) |
RU (1) | RU2768326C1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019229029A1 (en) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2609519A1 (en) * | 1987-01-14 | 1988-07-15 | Herion Werke Kg | Flow regulating valve with input and output pressure measurers |
US4926903A (en) * | 1989-05-05 | 1990-05-22 | Tomoe Technical Research Company | Butterfly valve having a function for measuring a flow rate and method of measuring a flow rate with a butterfly valve |
FR2779227A1 (en) * | 1998-05-28 | 1999-12-03 | Snecma | Valve with integral equipment for measurement of the flow rate across the valve for use in hostile environments and or where space is limited |
US20050115612A1 (en) * | 2002-02-07 | 2005-06-02 | Toshiharu Tanaka | Flow regulating valve, flow rate measuring device, flow control device, and flow rate measuring method |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7096093B1 (en) * | 2000-02-14 | 2006-08-22 | Invensys Systems, Inc. | Intelligent valve flow linearization |
CN101501380B (en) * | 2006-08-02 | 2012-10-10 | 博格华纳公司 | Egr system and egr valve with integrated pressure sensor |
US20110083746A1 (en) * | 2009-10-09 | 2011-04-14 | Cameron International Corporation | Smart valve utilizing a force sensor |
RU2490688C2 (en) * | 2010-05-26 | 2013-08-20 | Закрытое акционерное общество "Завод "СиН-газ" | Automatic control method and system of regulating valve |
DE102011077901A1 (en) * | 2011-06-21 | 2012-12-27 | Behr Thermot-Tronik Gmbh | Thermostat valve for controlling and/or regulating volume of coolant in cooling system utilized for cooling internal combustion engine of motor car, has force sensor to acquire position of regulating unit actuated by thermal actuator |
WO2014143922A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | Schneider Electric Buildings, Llc | Advanced valve actuator with true flow feedback |
-
2018
- 2018-05-28 EP EP18174482.2A patent/EP3575652A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2019
- 2019-05-28 WO PCT/EP2019/063742 patent/WO2019229029A1/en active Search and Examination
- 2019-05-28 EP EP19726013.6A patent/EP3803171B1/en active Active
- 2019-05-28 CN CN201980035265.6A patent/CN112166276B/en active Active
- 2019-05-28 RU RU2020142535A patent/RU2768326C1/en active
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2609519A1 (en) * | 1987-01-14 | 1988-07-15 | Herion Werke Kg | Flow regulating valve with input and output pressure measurers |
US4926903A (en) * | 1989-05-05 | 1990-05-22 | Tomoe Technical Research Company | Butterfly valve having a function for measuring a flow rate and method of measuring a flow rate with a butterfly valve |
FR2779227A1 (en) * | 1998-05-28 | 1999-12-03 | Snecma | Valve with integral equipment for measurement of the flow rate across the valve for use in hostile environments and or where space is limited |
US20050115612A1 (en) * | 2002-02-07 | 2005-06-02 | Toshiharu Tanaka | Flow regulating valve, flow rate measuring device, flow control device, and flow rate measuring method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2019229029A1 (en) | 2019-12-05 |
RU2768326C1 (en) | 2022-03-23 |
CN112166276A (en) | 2021-01-01 |
EP3803171B1 (en) | 2024-06-05 |
CN112166276B (en) | 2023-08-01 |
EP3803171A1 (en) | 2021-04-14 |
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